I have been a fan of computers since I first learned how to use WordPerfect in the early 90s. I couldn’t believe how easy it was type and make corrections vs. using a typewriter. Then, when I learned how to use Lotus to create spreadsheets, I was hooked. I could point, click, select edit, save and manipulate information at will. It was unbelievably efficient and convenient.
From there, I moved into computer programming, then repairs and sales of Mac systems. Then came networking, file sharing and printing. Then AOL, the WWW, email and high speed internet.
Life and work got easier, faster and more efficient.
Now, more than 30 years later we’ve got ubiquitous high speed connectivity across the US. Our smart phones have more speed, storage, capacity and capabilities than computers we had just a decade ago. Social media and apps have made convenience, communication and information exchange grow exponentially.
Ease of use is extraordinary.
But online is not real life.
And there’s the rub.
Our leaders, politicians, media, pundits, pollsters and their advisors have all opted to gather information the easy way – online using clicks, likes, comments and social media to communicate with their constituents, supporters, detractors and John Q Public.
I get it – it’s easy to sit in front of your computer pointing and clicking. See above – I built my entire career in sales around leveraging technology.
But I never sold anything without talking to a human being – often face to face and at minimum via multiple phone conversations. Email and websites were great for sharing information but still inadequate for closing big deals.
In the same way, hiding behind your computer (or tablet or phone) using social media to communicate is also inadequate. You don’t know who you’re talking to. You have no idea if they are representative of a majority, a minority, a bunch of bots or even a handful of teenage trolls.
But it is easy. And tempting.
And wrong.
If I was a politician, a pollster or a leader, I’d be out taking to normal people to find out what they think. People can be surprisingly open when you pay attention and listen attentively, in person.
My door is open to advise our leaders. I expect exactly none of them to come knocking.